I Tried the TerraMaster F4-425 Plus as My First NAS; Here’s What I Liked (and Didn’t)

TerraMaster F4-425 Plus NAS Review: A Deep Dive into Performance, Setup, and Software

In today’s digital age, the need for reliable, scalable, and efficient storage solutions has never been greater. Whether you’re a content creator, a small business owner, or a tech-savvy individual, Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices have become indispensable. Among the myriad of options available, the TerraMaster F4-425 Plus stands out as a compelling choice for those seeking a balance between affordability, performance, and functionality. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore every facet of the F4-425 Plus, from its unboxing and setup to its software capabilities and potential limitations.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The TerraMaster F4-425 Plus arrives in a sleek, minimalist box that hints at the device’s professional-grade build. Inside, you’ll find the NAS unit itself, a power adapter, an Ethernet cable, and a quick-start guide. The device’s matte black finish and compact design make it a visually appealing addition to any workspace. At first glance, the F4-425 Plus exudes a sense of durability, with its metal chassis and well-ventilated sides ensuring optimal heat dissipation.

Hardware Specifications

The TerraMaster F4-425 Plus is powered by a Realtek RTD1296 quad-core 1.4 GHz CPU, paired with 2GB of DDR4 RAM (expandable to 8GB). It features four drive bays, supporting both 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch SATA III HDDs or SSDs, with a maximum capacity of 64TB (16TB per drive). The device includes two Gigabit Ethernet ports, enabling link aggregation for enhanced network speeds. Additionally, it offers two USB 3.0 ports and an HDMI 2.0a output, making it versatile for multimedia applications.

Setup and Installation

Setting up the TerraMaster F4-425 Plus is a straightforward process, even for NAS beginners. After connecting the drives and powering on the device, you’ll need to download the TerraMaster TOS (TerraMaster Operating System) from their official website. The web-based interface is intuitive, guiding you through the initial setup, including disk formatting, RAID configuration, and network settings.

During my testing, I opted for a RAID 5 configuration to balance performance and data redundancy. The setup process took approximately 20 minutes, including the time required for disk formatting. Once completed, the NAS was ready for use, and I was impressed by how seamlessly it integrated into my existing network.

Performance Benchmarks

To evaluate the TerraMaster F4-425 Plus’s performance, I conducted a series of tests using various file types and transfer protocols. Here’s a breakdown of the results:

Sequential Read/Write Speeds: Using a 10GB file, the NAS achieved read speeds of 112 MB/s and write speeds of 98 MB/s over a Gigabit Ethernet connection. While these speeds are respectable for a budget-friendly NAS, they fall short of the performance offered by higher-end models with 10GbE support.
4K Video Streaming: The F4-425 Plus handled 4K video playback effortlessly, thanks to its HDMI 2.0a output and hardware-accelerated transcoding capabilities. I streamed multiple 4K files simultaneously without any noticeable lag or buffering.
Small File Transfers: When transferring a large number of small files, the NAS maintained consistent performance, though it was slightly slower compared to sequential transfers. This is a common limitation for most NAS devices in this price range.

Software and Features

The TerraMaster TOS is a standout feature of the F4-425 Plus, offering a user-friendly interface and a robust set of applications. Here are some of the key software highlights:

File Management: The TOS provides a centralized platform for managing files, folders, and user permissions. The drag-and-drop functionality and real-time sync capabilities make it easy to organize and access your data.
Multimedia Applications: The NAS comes pre-installed with Plex Media Server, Twonky, and TerraMaster Center, enabling seamless media streaming to various devices. The HDMI output allows you to connect the NAS directly to a TV or monitor for a true multimedia experience.
Backup Solutions: TerraMaster offers built-in backup tools, including Time Machine support for macOS users and Duplicati for cross-platform backups. Additionally, the NAS supports cloud backup services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.
Security Features: The F4-425 Plus includes robust security measures, such as AES 256-bit encryption, two-factor authentication, and IP blocking. These features ensure that your data remains protected from unauthorized access.
App Center: The TOS App Center provides access to a wide range of third-party applications, including WordPress, Nextcloud, and Docker. This extensibility makes the NAS a versatile tool for both personal and professional use.

Limitations and Considerations

While the TerraMaster F4-425 Plus offers impressive value for its price, it’s not without its drawbacks. Here are a few limitations to keep in mind:

Limited RAM: The base model comes with only 2GB of RAM, which may be insufficient for users running multiple applications or handling large workloads. Upgrading to 8GB is recommended for optimal performance.
No 10GbE Support: The lack of 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports may be a dealbreaker for users requiring ultra-fast data transfers. However, this is a common limitation for NAS devices in this price range.
Fan Noise: During intensive operations, the fan can become noticeably loud, which may be a concern for users in quiet environments.
Limited Expandability: Unlike some higher-end models, the F4-425 Plus does not support expansion units, limiting its scalability for users with growing storage needs.

Final Verdict

The TerraMaster F4-425 Plus is a solid choice for anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of NAS. Its combination of affordability, ease of use, and robust feature set makes it an excellent option for home users, small businesses, and content creators. While it may not offer the raw performance of premium NAS devices, it strikes a commendable balance between functionality and cost.

If you’re in the market for a reliable, user-friendly NAS that won’t break the bank, the TerraMaster F4-425 Plus is definitely worth considering. With its sleek design, versatile software, and expandable storage options, it’s a device that can grow with your needs.

I Tried the TerraMaster F4-425 Plus as My First NAS; Here’s What I Liked (and Didn’t)

Unboxing and First Impressions

Hardware Specifications

Setup and Installation

Performance Benchmarks

Software and Features

Limitations and Considerations

Final Verdict

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